Our Awning Setup

We use a layered awning system depending on how long we are away. For weekends and trips up to two weeks, we use the Thule Omnistor fixed to the caravan wall with Isabella Buddy sides attached. For our six-week summer trip, we use the full Isabella Commodore Carbon with left annex.

This approach gives us flexibility without having to carry multiple full awnings — the Thule and Buddy sides pack away quickly for short stays, while the Commodore gives us a proper living space for longer trips.

The Isabella Buddy Sides

The Buddy sides attach directly to the Thule Omnistor and transform it from a simple sun canopy into an enclosed living space. They are quick to put up, weatherproof, and give us a useful extra room for shoes, wet gear, and the dog.

For weekends, this setup is perfect. We can have it up in 15 minutes and down in 10, which matters when you are only staying two nights.

The Isabella Commodore Carbon

The Commodore Carbon is Isabella’s premium full awning. The carbon fibre poles make it significantly lighter than steel-poled alternatives, which matters when you are putting it up and taking it down multiple times over a six-week trip.

The left annex gives us an extra room — we use it as a sleeping space for the kids on longer trips, which gives the adults their own space in the caravan in the evenings.

[PERSONALISE: Add your honest verdict on the Commodore Carbon after your six-week trip]

Isabella Quality

Isabella is a Danish brand with a reputation for exceptional build quality. Our awnings have been through heavy rain, strong winds, and a week of solid sunshine without any issues.

The fabric is breathable, which prevents condensation build-up — a common problem with cheaper awnings. The zips are robust and the poles are well-engineered.

Isabella is not cheap, but in our experience, you genuinely get what you pay for.